Ex-champion Philadelphia Soul returning to Arena Football League

The Philadelphia Soul, who disbanded when the AFL shut down operations in 2009, will return to indoor football in 2011. They will play in their former home at the Wachovia Center.

ESPN Monday Night Football analyst Ron Jaworski is again part of the ownership group that has resuscitated the Soul.

"We are bringing back to our incredible fans the most exciting, fan-friendly and affordable brand of football in America," Jaworski said in a statement. "My partners and I are committed to putting together a championship team for this great city to be proud of."

The AFL was reconstituted in 2010 after Arena Football One purchased the assets of the old league out of bankruptcy court. The Soul were not among the teams that initially returned, although they had won the most recent AFL championship.

The new Soul franchise has an ownership group that includes Jaworski, Craig Spencer, Pete Ciarrocchi and Cosmo DeNicola. Missing is singer-songwriter Jon Bon Jovi, a mouthpiece for the former club.

Bovi Jovi said he will be a supporter of the new group, however. "I have fond memories of my experience with the Soul and especially our 2008 ArenaBowl championship season," he said in a statement.

"I continue to be a fan of the team and want nothing but continued success on and off the field for the Soul."

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